AI chipmaker Enflame sets subscription date for near $900 million Shanghai IPO

Enflame Technology, a prominent AI chipmaker based in China, has announced that share subscriptions for its $892.21 million IPO on Shanghai's STAR Market will open on September 2. The company, supported by technology giant Tencent Holdings, plans to issue 43.04 million new shares, which will account for a 10% stake in its enlarged share capital of approximately 430 million shares. Preliminary price consultations are scheduled to commence on August 28.

Strategic investors will be allocated an initial 8.61 million shares, while institutional and retail tranches will receive 27.54 million and 6.89 million shares, respectively. Established in 2018, Enflame is one of China's four leading GPU chipmakers, alongside Moore Threads, MetaX, and Biren Technology. All four companies have gone public within the past year, capitalizing on global demand for semiconductor firms.

Enflame intends to utilize the funds raised from the IPO to develop and commercialize its fifth- and sixth-generation AI chips, as well as advanced AI software and hardware collaborative innovation projects. The Chinese onshore technology IPO market is projected to achieve its strongest year since 2023, as Beijing aims to promote the listings of chip and artificial intelligence companies in an effort to achieve tech self-reliance amid the nation's rivalry with the United States.

However, a significant 45% drop in Unitree, China's most recognizable humanoid robot maker, following a more than fivefold surge at its Shanghai debut has raised concerns about potential bubble risks and whether the enthusiasm for AI and robotics has outstripped fundamental support. CITIC Securities is serving as the lead underwriter for Enflame's offering, with Guotai Haitong Securities and GF Securities acting as joint lead underwriters.